Tom Heaton: 'Burnley can cope with Michael Keane exit'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 03 August 2017

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton is confident that his side will be able to cope without Michael Keane following the defender's summer switch to Everton.

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton has insisted that the team will be able to cope with the loss of Michael Keane during the upcoming campaign.

Keane's performances for the Clarets last season saw him called up to the England squad and earn a place among the nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

The 24-year-old completed a £30m move to Everton earlier this summer, but Heaton believes that Burnley's style of play allows them to make up for the loss of important players relatively easily.

"Keano is a fantastic player and I think he'll go from strength to strength now. I thought his England debut was outstanding and obviously he got a big move. But the way we defend here, and the way we play, we're more about the unit and that team ethos," he told PA.

"Players coming in and fitting in to that, hopefully it shouldn't cause too many ripples and it gives them a chance to put their stamp on it. Ben [Mee] has been outstanding in the last few seasons and last season was probably the best of the lot.

"It certainly didn't go under the radar in our building. I know the outside public might have looked at Keano but we certainly value what Ben did and what he's about. It's an opportunity for him to put a marker down and progress his own game."

Burnley begin the new Premier League season away to champions Chelsea on August 12.